In Memory of

Vincent

George

"Vinnie

the

Donut

Man"

Verdi

Obituary for Vincent George "Vinnie the Donut Man" Verdi

Vincent G. Verdi, 77, of Manchester, New Jersey died Wednesday June 24, 2020 at Community Medical Center, Toms River, New Jersey. He was born, raised, and resided in Little Ferry, New Jersey and later moved to Clifton, New Jersey until 2005. In 2005, he retired and moved to New Port Richie, Florida but moved back to New Jersey 9 years ago to be closer to his family. Vinnie is survived by his wife of 36 years, Serina, daughter, Alanna, and son, Jonathan. Vinnie was also the proud PopPop of Sadie (daughter of Alanna) and Ethan (son of Jonathan). He will also be truly missed by his brother, George Verdi, and all of George’s children, grandchildren and wife.

Anyone who knew Vinnie knew two things: he has been and always will be “Vinnie the Donut Man” and he was a proud Agent Orange Disabled Vet from the Vietnam War (served from 1964 to 1966). Vinnie was very proud that he was the first man drafted into the Vietnam War from his home town of Little Ferry, New Jersey.

Vinnie served in the Vietnam War from 1964-1966 and was a disabled war veteran from his exposure to Agent Orange. Vinnie was always happy to speak with fellow veterans and spent most of his free time with ‘his brothers’ in the Disabled American Veterans (“DAV”) Chapter: John E Brion #81. His most proud moment in recent years was his granddaughter selling over 1,500 boxes of Girl Scout cookies including over 750 boxes sold for the military overseas - in honor of her PopPop.

Over 45 years ago, Alanna began calling her Dad,The Donut Man. The name stuck and soon after, Vinnie opened The Donut Man in Lodi, New Jersey. He expanded to multiple locations in northern New Jersey and later in life, he opened a luncheonette called My Cousin Vinnie in North Arlington, New Jersey. But he will always be known as Vinnie the Donut Man.

Vinnie enjoyed talking to everyone he met - sharing his stories of hard work, cars and family. Vinnie also enjoyed crabbing, waxing his car daily, going down the shore, collecting mini cars, trains and diners. He was very social and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and DAV brothers and going to his brother’s bakery in North Jersey.

Visitation is Monday 2-5 PM at Oliverie Funeral Home 2925 Ridgeway Rd Manchester. Funeral Liturgy is Tuesday 12 PM at St John’s Church Lakehurst with interment to follow at Brigadier Gen Wm C Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown Road, Wrightstown, New Jersey at 1:30 pm.

Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, to ensure the safety and health of everyone, the family will be postponing a celebration of life gathering until restrictions are lifted. If you would like to participate in the celebration, the family is asking that you email Vinnie’s daughter, Alanna, at 97alanna@gmail.com to be included in the invite list.

The family also understands COVID-19 has impacted accessibility to attending events, including viewings and funerals. Anyone who is unable to attend - the family understands and has therefore made available a tribute slideshow celebrating Vinnie’s life - you can see or contribute to the slideshow at: https://www.tributeslides.com/up/341690281568. You will also have the ability for live streaming at the viewing. http://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/534023. Also, if you prefer, to send online condolences, please visit www.oliveriefuneralhome.com.


In lieu of flowers please make donations to either of the two organizations that Vinnie shared a very personal connection. Vinnie’s daughter, Alanna, contracted a very rare lung disease. Vinnie always wished a cure would be found during his lifetime. To keep his wishes alive, please make a donation to The LAM Foundation 4520 Cooper Rd #300, Cincinnati, OH 45242; www.thelamfoundation.org/Take-Action/Donate-Now, referencing LAM patient (his daughter) Alanna Verdi. The second organization Vinnie was very involved with was continuing to help other local veterans in the area. He was involved in providing meals, selling poppy flowers in Seaside Heights and holiday parties/care-packages. To continue his efforts, please consider a donation to the Disabled American Veterans. Please send donations to DAV Chapter 81, PO Box 756 Forked River, NJ 08731.